Abstract
This article aims to analyse significant differences in four constructs: occupational stress, job satisfaction, work engagement, and work productivity among employees before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the paper is to develop a multidimensional model with these four constructs and analyse the differences in the strength of their effects on the model across two intersectional times: before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was implemented on a sample of 885 employees in Slovenian organisations. During COVID-19, Slovenia had one of the strictest lockdowns. Based on the research, we can confirm significant differences in the four analysed constructs among employees before COVID-19 and during COVID-19. Based on the results, we can confirm that occupational stress had a more negative effect on job satisfaction and work engagement during COVID-19 than before prior to it. Our research and conclusions highlight the measures with which organisations can reduce the problem of occupational stress and with which organisations can increase job satisfaction, work engagement and work productivity among employees during COVID-19. Based on this, organisations may be able to build a more supportive work environment during, and after, COVID-19.
Highlights
We used the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test because the data for all items that describe occupational stress, job satisfaction, work engagement and work productivity are not normally distributed
Our research shows significant differences in occupational stress, job satisfaction, ganisations to be aware of the extent and factors associated with occupational stress, work productivity during
Our research shows significant differences in occupational stress, job satisfaction, work ganisations to be aware of the extent and factors associated with occupational stress, ket and increase their competitiveness
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected economies, societies and individuals in every way. The growing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, lockdowns, substantial restrictions on public life and the economic crisis are likely to negatively impact personal wellbeing and mental health [1]. The COVID-19 pandemic is creating unfathomable loss and disruption. Due to the impact of social and business situations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a critical issue to consider is survival [3]. At this time, many organisations face significant challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [4]. Due to social distancing and the adoption of lockdown measures to combat COVID-19, work from home is the new way to ensure business continuity [5]
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